The Russellville Police Department (RPD) is requesting the city's Planning Commission recommend the City Council approve a special use permit for a communications tower, but neighbors near the proposed location of the tower are voicing concerns.

RPD's request - presented Monday at the commission's regular monthly meeting - calls for a 160-foot radio communications tower to be placed on a residentially-zoned property on Amy Lyn Place for use by municipal departments such as police, fire and public works.

Lt. Jarrod "J.J." Smith said there was previously a tower on the proposed site. In fact, the department intends to place the exact same tower on the site it once stood before it was removed around 1996-97. He said the location is ideal because it will help fill gaps in coverage in parts of the city, including on the south side and along Marina Road. In addition, the tower would help provide redundant coverage and stronger signal in other areas of the city, providing for stronger radio communication, especially inside buildings.

Other options for the communications tower include an existing tower owned by a local radio station located near the site of the proposed municipal tower. Smith said it would be cost prohibitive to install the city's communication equipment there, due to high rental costs. In addition, moving the location of the proposed municipal tower could be costly as well, because there is already the support structure in place to house a tower at the proposed location.

Neighbors, however, aren't so keen on the idea of erecting a tower near their properties. John Peel, a Russellville attorney, addressed the commission on behalf of a group of homeowners who were unable to make the meeting. He requested the commission table the item and take time to consider the issues at hand. He said the city's zoning ordinance only mentions commercial and private radio towers, without defining those terms or mentioning a public or municipal tower. If the tower were to comply with commercial restrictions, it would be subject to a 100-foot height limit.

In addition, he said the proximity to neighboring homes could pose not only a safety hazard, but would also have a negative impact on property values.

"It's almost an inverse condemnation," he said.

Peel also suggested the city investigate the possibility of bartering a deal with the radio station for use of its tower, possibly in the form of free advertising for the station.

One additional problem with using the radio's tower, Smith pointed out, is possible security issues related to individuals other than city-authorized personnel having access to the site.

He also said having a tower that would provide radio service to Marina Road would be imperative, because that coverage cap currently poses a safety hazard. He said he once got in a fight with a man while making an arrest and was unable to radio for backup because of the dead zone.

While Peel said residents were not generally opposed to increased communication for police, he felt the commission should take the time to evaluate the situation and make an informed decision.

City Planner Richard Harris essentially echoed that sentiment when he told commissioners it was up to them to find the "right balance" between the two sides.

Commissioner Dennis Boyd made a motion to look into the matter further before voting.

"We just want the best for the property owners and the city," he said.

The commission unanimously agreed to table the matter.

In other business, the commission also:

 Unanimously recommended requests for a large-scale development and for a special use permit for Diamond International Truck Sales and Services, located at 143 State Highway 331. A representative from Diamond said the company is looking to expand its Russellville facilities.

 Recommended approval for a special use permit to allow a church in an R-3 zone. An engineer from Lewis Architects Engineers on behalf of Russellville First Baptist Church said the proposed facility would be about 6,000 square feet and would be used as a mission chapel as part of the church's Hispanic ministry. Boyd abstained from voting, citing his membership at the church.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment also met Monday and heard a request by a representative of Clayton Signs to exceed the current height limitation on freestanding signs at the Chick-fil-A restaurant currently under construction on East Main Street.

The request proposed a 100-foot sign be placed at the back corner of the restaurant's lot, in addition to the 35-foot sign planned for the front of the restaurant. Harris said the height limit for such signs is 35 feet, and businesses are limited to one sign, per city code.

The Clayton representative said he felt other businesses in the area - such as McDonald's - had received variation approval, and he wanted to ensure Chick-fil-A could be seen from a distance, especially from the interstate.

The request was tabled by the commission, which will consider at its next meeting an alternate request to approve the restaurant having a 50-foot sign.